a blog by Enya

Let’s Talk Books: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Looking for Alaska was creepy and mysterious as its own cover (see the attached photo). Set in the POV of Miles “Pudge” Halter, we get to see how college – and the people we meet, can infinitesimally change us. Especially because of flight risks like Alaska Young.

When I got this book for my birthday – which in turn read on the same day, I had expected something a little close to The Fault in Our Stars because I was under the assumption that this was John Green’s stuff just as Rick Riordan’s Greek Mythology Books (i.e. Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Heroes of Olympus, Kane Chronicles, etc.). But I was wrong, and one surefire sign was the cover itself. Dark background, unlit candle, noticeable smoke from the wick – presents an air of mystery and death a stark difference from TFiOS with it’s signature black and white clouds on a vibrant blue palette with a chalky font. Overall, the fact is that because of the minimalist cover, one cannot expect anything from the book itself other than death.

Plot wise, it was really good in the sense that you’re anticipating something to happen, because of the time setting of a “Before” and “After” but you don’t know what. The characters are plausible, each with their own quirks that often remind myself of how queer each individual can be despite the many stereotypes they fit in. Although a word of warning to those who need it – unless you want to read something frustrating and open-ended, don’t bother picking up this book.